Big In Japan.
Bjork and Kim Petras meet Naruto in a candy shop with a talking life sized Hello Kitty. That image only partially gives you a sense of the world of Kyunchi. Love and creativity spiral outwards in a maelstrom of wonder and fantasy and excitement all aimed at creating a positive experience for the listener and rolled up into a musical sundae. There's sugar and substance everywhere and it all leads to Kyunchi's soundscape wonderland.
If you're slightly confused, that's ok. It's near impossible to box the craft of Kyunchi into one genre or style, because much of it is being created for the first time. It's a dreamland of excess and yet still exudes a focused direction. Those who get it will love it. Those who don't will still be incredibly intrigued. Kyunchi has created mystery without keeping anything hidden. It's all fully on display and demands your curiosity.
With such a colorful character creating all of this eclectic and joyous flurry, we had to know more. So we peeked behind the curtain to discover who is the artist known as Kyunchi.
Kyunchi, you're one of the most unique artists we've come across. You have such an individual style both in music as in your presence. But first we have to know, where does the name Kyunchi come from? Does it have any specific meaning?
Kyunchi is just what I go by. In Japanese “kyun” has a very specific meaning but it’s kind of hard to explain. It’s when you’re falling in love with someone and your heart goes “kyun!” It’s a moment when your heart tightens in your chest.
How long have you been making music and how did you get started?
I’ve been actively making music since last August but I’ve always written cute poems and Japanese song lyrics in my notebooks in school. One day I randomly sought out a music producer because I wanted to start putting music out to make everyone excited and happy. I live inside a fantasy dream so I want to create music that reflects this. Music is a dimensional gate into my secret world.
Your music seems heavily influenced by Japanese Anime, but for those unfamiliar, how would you describe your music?
My music is inspired by the internet, pop culture, luxury and cuteness. I want my music to sound like an anime episode. I want to give the listener vivid visuals through sound and lyrics.
Where does your inspiration for the music you're creating come from? How did you get turned on to this style?
Inspiration comes to me in different forms. It really depends on the song and how I’m feeling at that moment. I can be eating something and get inspired by the flavor and immediately want to translate it into sound. I could also be recalling a memory and want to transform it into an idolized moment and experience this parallel reality for myself. My art is being able to transform anything into music so there is absolutely no limits to what I can create conceptually.
If you're slightly confused, that's ok. It's near impossible to box the craft of Kyunchi into one genre or style, because much of it is being created for the first time. It's a dreamland of excess and yet still exudes a focused direction. Those who get it will love it. Those who don't will still be incredibly intrigued. Kyunchi has created mystery without keeping anything hidden. It's all fully on display and demands your curiosity.
With such a colorful character creating all of this eclectic and joyous flurry, we had to know more. So we peeked behind the curtain to discover who is the artist known as Kyunchi.
Kyunchi, you're one of the most unique artists we've come across. You have such an individual style both in music as in your presence. But first we have to know, where does the name Kyunchi come from? Does it have any specific meaning?
Kyunchi is just what I go by. In Japanese “kyun” has a very specific meaning but it’s kind of hard to explain. It’s when you’re falling in love with someone and your heart goes “kyun!” It’s a moment when your heart tightens in your chest.
How long have you been making music and how did you get started?
I’ve been actively making music since last August but I’ve always written cute poems and Japanese song lyrics in my notebooks in school. One day I randomly sought out a music producer because I wanted to start putting music out to make everyone excited and happy. I live inside a fantasy dream so I want to create music that reflects this. Music is a dimensional gate into my secret world.
Your music seems heavily influenced by Japanese Anime, but for those unfamiliar, how would you describe your music?
My music is inspired by the internet, pop culture, luxury and cuteness. I want my music to sound like an anime episode. I want to give the listener vivid visuals through sound and lyrics.
Where does your inspiration for the music you're creating come from? How did you get turned on to this style?
Inspiration comes to me in different forms. It really depends on the song and how I’m feeling at that moment. I can be eating something and get inspired by the flavor and immediately want to translate it into sound. I could also be recalling a memory and want to transform it into an idolized moment and experience this parallel reality for myself. My art is being able to transform anything into music so there is absolutely no limits to what I can create conceptually.
Is it safe to assume that Anime is something you also watch a lot of? What are some of your favorite Anime?
I love anime but I don’t always watch it. I don’t really have time to binge watch an entire series but I love finding something cool and new to watch. I absolutely love Kill la Kill, Princess Tutu, Corpse Party, Madoka Magica and Shokugeki no Soma but those are just from the top of my head.
You're releasing your latest single 'Shibuya 109'. Where does the title come from and what is the song about for you?
Shibuya 109 is the name of a mega-mall in Shibuya, Tokyo. It’s one of my favorite places on Earth. I cannot even describe how crazy I get when I step foot into that mall. It’s a big building and there’s are so many stores with all the latest fashion. I love it so much I wanna scream. I’m getting lightheaded thinking about it right now. The song is about my obsession with Shibuya 109. I wanna live inside it.
What was your process when writing it? Where did it start from?
My producer sent me the beat and I immediately fell in love with it. It sounded super futuristic which is what I envisioned Shibuya 109 would look like in the year 30XX. I wrote the lyrics in about 20-30 minutes. I wanted the song to be half in Japanese so that people in Japan could enjoy it and half in English so that all my Internet friends and listeners can understand what the song is about as well. I kept the English part relatively simple so that even though some people in Japan might not understand the lyrics it would be easy enough to sing along to.
When writing music is it about the concept you're trying to communicate or is there more a story?
I really wanted to capture a moment of what it feels like being in Shibuya 109. “This paradise is only mine, I won’t give it to anyone” I sing in Japanese. I really love the place because it has everything that I could ever want. Sometimes it feels like it was specifically built for me. I’m totally obsessed with it.
I love anime but I don’t always watch it. I don’t really have time to binge watch an entire series but I love finding something cool and new to watch. I absolutely love Kill la Kill, Princess Tutu, Corpse Party, Madoka Magica and Shokugeki no Soma but those are just from the top of my head.
You're releasing your latest single 'Shibuya 109'. Where does the title come from and what is the song about for you?
Shibuya 109 is the name of a mega-mall in Shibuya, Tokyo. It’s one of my favorite places on Earth. I cannot even describe how crazy I get when I step foot into that mall. It’s a big building and there’s are so many stores with all the latest fashion. I love it so much I wanna scream. I’m getting lightheaded thinking about it right now. The song is about my obsession with Shibuya 109. I wanna live inside it.
What was your process when writing it? Where did it start from?
My producer sent me the beat and I immediately fell in love with it. It sounded super futuristic which is what I envisioned Shibuya 109 would look like in the year 30XX. I wrote the lyrics in about 20-30 minutes. I wanted the song to be half in Japanese so that people in Japan could enjoy it and half in English so that all my Internet friends and listeners can understand what the song is about as well. I kept the English part relatively simple so that even though some people in Japan might not understand the lyrics it would be easy enough to sing along to.
When writing music is it about the concept you're trying to communicate or is there more a story?
I really wanted to capture a moment of what it feels like being in Shibuya 109. “This paradise is only mine, I won’t give it to anyone” I sing in Japanese. I really love the place because it has everything that I could ever want. Sometimes it feels like it was specifically built for me. I’m totally obsessed with it.
Miss Toxic is on the song who is also a good friend of yours. How was it working together?
I love her so much! She’s a beauty Youtuber in Japan but she will be releasing music soon as well. I thought she would be a good fit for the song because she’s so cute and I love her energy. She is my best friend so this collaboration was a natural thing to happen.
You're very artistic and expressive with your make up and appearance. Do you and Miss Toxic trade ideas? Is there more of a collaboration there beyond music?
Honestly, she’s so much better at makeup than I am. Everyone go subscribe to her on YouTube! We always talk privately about makeup. Maybe we’ll film a makeup video together someday who knows?
In terms of style, you have such distinct looks. Where do you take inspiration from?
I always think that different outfits are different episodes of my life. I try to dress based how I feel at the moment. I pull inspiration from video games, avant-garde art, technology and ideas about the future.
Have you had much opportunity to perform live and what would be your dream venue to perform in?
I’ve never performed live but I’m planning on developing a cool show for everyone when I start. I want to create something different and special and far beyond what I’m currently capable of producing. A dream venue to perform for me is Tokyo Dome or Madison Square Garden.
Is fashion an area of interest that you could see yourself professionally move in the direction of?
Yes, I want to get more involved in fashion as well. Before I started making music I was more focused on sketching dresses and designing jewelry. I’ve made some gorgeous pieces working with Marianna Harutunian who has made stuff for Lady Gaga, Kylie Jenner, Gwen Stefani, etc. Fashion is a big part of my life so it’s only natural that I’ll be more involved in it later down the road.
I love her so much! She’s a beauty Youtuber in Japan but she will be releasing music soon as well. I thought she would be a good fit for the song because she’s so cute and I love her energy. She is my best friend so this collaboration was a natural thing to happen.
You're very artistic and expressive with your make up and appearance. Do you and Miss Toxic trade ideas? Is there more of a collaboration there beyond music?
Honestly, she’s so much better at makeup than I am. Everyone go subscribe to her on YouTube! We always talk privately about makeup. Maybe we’ll film a makeup video together someday who knows?
In terms of style, you have such distinct looks. Where do you take inspiration from?
I always think that different outfits are different episodes of my life. I try to dress based how I feel at the moment. I pull inspiration from video games, avant-garde art, technology and ideas about the future.
Have you had much opportunity to perform live and what would be your dream venue to perform in?
I’ve never performed live but I’m planning on developing a cool show for everyone when I start. I want to create something different and special and far beyond what I’m currently capable of producing. A dream venue to perform for me is Tokyo Dome or Madison Square Garden.
Is fashion an area of interest that you could see yourself professionally move in the direction of?
Yes, I want to get more involved in fashion as well. Before I started making music I was more focused on sketching dresses and designing jewelry. I’ve made some gorgeous pieces working with Marianna Harutunian who has made stuff for Lady Gaga, Kylie Jenner, Gwen Stefani, etc. Fashion is a big part of my life so it’s only natural that I’ll be more involved in it later down the road.
As a comic book fan of many, many years, I feel like you would be a natural fit as a concert headliner at Comic-con. In fact, some of your looks could be considered reminiscent of some superhero images. Is that an audience you've ever connected with or pursued?
I’ve never thought of that before but that definitely sounds like a great idea and I would totally be down for it if I’m ever approached. I love manga and comics and a lot of my listeners share some of these interests. I definitely want to get to know more people like that.
From your Twitter account I get the distinct sense that you're a mean girls fan. Is that a fair assumption? And which of the "Plastics" is your favorite?
I love Mean Girls. It’s one of my favorite movies. Out of the Plastics I think Regina George is my favorite. She’s such an interesting character. I like the juxtaposition of being a teen dream and also a huge bitch at the same time. She’s also really rich and has a mansion. So we have to stan. I also really love Gretchen Wieners. She’s an icon.
What's ahead for Kyunchi the music artist? What does the rest of the year look like for releases and music projects?
I will continue to release music and maybe work on a music video. I just want to create fun things for everyone. My next single will be called “Paris & Nicole” so that’s something exciting to look forward to.
What's one last thing you want listeners to know about you?
Nothing. I want them to fill in the blanks with their own imagination and interpret my art in their own way just the way I do with my life.
I’ve never thought of that before but that definitely sounds like a great idea and I would totally be down for it if I’m ever approached. I love manga and comics and a lot of my listeners share some of these interests. I definitely want to get to know more people like that.
From your Twitter account I get the distinct sense that you're a mean girls fan. Is that a fair assumption? And which of the "Plastics" is your favorite?
I love Mean Girls. It’s one of my favorite movies. Out of the Plastics I think Regina George is my favorite. She’s such an interesting character. I like the juxtaposition of being a teen dream and also a huge bitch at the same time. She’s also really rich and has a mansion. So we have to stan. I also really love Gretchen Wieners. She’s an icon.
What's ahead for Kyunchi the music artist? What does the rest of the year look like for releases and music projects?
I will continue to release music and maybe work on a music video. I just want to create fun things for everyone. My next single will be called “Paris & Nicole” so that’s something exciting to look forward to.
What's one last thing you want listeners to know about you?
Nothing. I want them to fill in the blanks with their own imagination and interpret my art in their own way just the way I do with my life.